Broken

Chapter Fifteen: Lullaby

The humming was about to consume me with madness.

At first, I had craved being on my feet and moving and this particular night I was carrying the groceries back to the Jones' townhouse. The weight of the paper bag targeted my wrists. A sickeningly sweet fruity fragrance dance around me in happy spirits. I floated on the cracked sidewalk like an angel. Fabric brushed against my shins as I progressed closer to my destination. My dark, unruly curls bounced in tight coils and there was a small smile fixated on my lips. I imagined the look on Louis' face when I showed him the ingredients for my famous apple pie. I hope it would be a good enough peace offering. It would be great to see him smile once in awhile. I think he'd actually look pretty attractive once he let go.

I was in the middle of daydreaming when the humming started. It was reminiscent of a horror movie theme song, melodic and minor. I was too happy to notice at first and was too stubborn to let humming interrupt my mood. After all, I was getting by with a smile, a feat most blacks couldn't say. I had reasons to believe Jordan would return to me, and I had a temporary family waiting for me.

I stopped at the crossroads. The midnight hour was lit by a half moon and one streetlight two blocks away. This was when I noticed the humming. It was quiet, almost shy and scared. The voice was unstable and shaky. I drowned it out with my good mood.

Green illuminated the night ahead of me and I began to walk. The humming followed me. I lessened by steps and shortened my strides. The humming seemed to match my pace. It seemed louder and more confident now. I sensed a pair of eyes drilling into the back of my head.

Of course, you feel that way, it's the 1950s. You're black. I brushed it off.

I walked normally and yet the humming persisted. My fear bounced back forth between being scared for my sanity or safety. My heart beat slowly, but it slammed against my ribs. A popping cleared my ears as they perked up intently. My legs were ready, itching, to bolt, even with a full bag.

The sound droned on right by my ear. It roared beside me. Breath warmed and cool my neck. Hairs rose. My heart raced. My fingers became slippery. My feet moved faster. Faster. Faster. Anything to get away. No, no, no. Not again! This can't be happening to me again. I can't take another round. By now the eery purring howled deafeningly at the moon. Sweat ran down my back. My face heated.

"Aaaaaa! What is it?!" I cried in agony. I bent over in pain. My head was ready to burst. It was too high and loud. It made my entire physical form throb. I gave in and turned. I was going to be prepared this time.

"You."

"Honey, there's no need to scream."

"What do you want from me, Renee?" The tall blonde smirked. The moonlight made her skin pale and her hair ghostly white. Her curved waist was accentuated by the tight bow of her polka dot dress.

"Honey I'm trying to help you! Stay away from Karen's man or you'll have a broken tush and a ripped dress. No more writing love notes to him, no visits no nothing!"

"Jordan was mine first, you idiot."

She got dangerously close. "Call me that again, honey, and I will have you sent to hell where you belong." She was sickeningly sweet with her threats.

"It's 1955. You're not a genius." I snarled. "It's funny how this threat is coming from you."

"How so?"

"I saw you. With that boy."

She blanched for a second before the confidence returned in her eyes. "Honey, I'm rich, pretty, and famous. The only secret I still have is where I keep my unmentionables." She laughed like a broken bell--high-pitched and annoying.

I joined her laughter mockingly. "Really? Because if I didn't know better I'd think you were into black guys."

She grabbed me by the collar and shoved her long ruby nail into my neck. "I wish you would say something. I'll just let Johnny teach you a lesson."She paused. "Have fun. Honey." She smiled devilishly, her mesmerizing drawl rang in my ears.

"What are--" I cut myself off with my own terrified screams. Three pairs of large, calloused hands dragged me into a nearby ally. I held on to the groceries for dear life. I couldn't see a thing, but the stench was horrendous. I nearly choked. Two pairs released me, but one traveled up my stomach to my throat and squeezed. My strangled noises filled in the silence. Heavy, sour breaths added to the muggy heat of the Mississippi night. I gulped large chunks of air whenever I could as I clawed for my freedom.